Aerial Work Platform for Façade Work – What Type and Reach Do You Need?

Working on a façade – whether it involves painting, insulation, plaster repairs or cleaning – places different demands on an aerial work platform than standard construction work. The key factors are horizontal outreach, building height and the terrain surrounding the property. In this article, we explain how to choose the right machine.

Why façade work is a specific application

During façade work, operators often need to reach not only upwards, but also sideways from the base of the machine – for example, towards cornices, balconies or overhangs. A standard scissor lift, which moves vertically upwards, is often not sufficient. This is why articulated boom lifts are most commonly used for this type of work.

Articulated boom lift – the first choice for façade work

An articulated boom lift has a boom made up of several jointed sections. This allows it to reach over and around obstacles such as roof overhangs, balconies or trees located close to the façade.

Its main advantages include:

• Horizontal outreach – a key parameter for façade work, allowing the platform to reach around obstacles
• Flexible positioning – it can be positioned in ways that a scissor lift cannot achieve
• Suitable for confined spaces – it usually has a smaller footprint than telescopic boom lifts with a similar reach

When choosing a specific model, the combination of working height and horizontal outreach is crucial. These two parameters are always stated together in the machine’s technical specifications.

When a telescopic boom lift is the right choice

For taller buildings, or in situations where a long and direct reach is required without the need to manoeuvre around obstacles, a telescopic boom lift with a straight boom is often the better option.

It is particularly suitable for:

• work on taller buildings where a significant height needs to be reached quickly and directly
• façades without major overhangs or obstacles
• situations where a longer outreach is required and the available ground space is limited

Terrain and access to the building

Before ordering a machine, it is also important to consider the terrain around the building:

• Paved surfaces, such as courtyards or car parks – allow the use of heavier wheeled machines
• Unpaved terrain, grass or slopes – machines with rough-terrain tyres or a lower overall weight are more suitable
• Confined spaces between buildings – the machine’s width and turning radius are key factors

A practical tip when placing an order

When requesting an aerial work platform for façade work, it is most useful to provide answers to three questions:

1. What is the maximum height you need to reach?
2. Are there any overhangs, balconies or other obstacles that need to be reached around?
3. What are the terrain and access conditions around the building?

With this information, we can quickly recommend a suitable machine type and a specific model from our fleet.

Do you need help choosing the right aerial work platform for your project? Send us a non-binding enquiry and our specialists will recommend the most suitable machine.

Yours, mateco.